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Author
Topic: The worst part of having a pet...... (Read 4416 times)

The worst part of having a pet is when you have to make a decision to say goodbye.

Today I made an appt. for our cat, Charlie -- this will be his final visit to the vet. He is 15 years old, has early kidney disease, early heart failure, has lost more than a third of his weight since last Aug (when he spent 3 days in ICU for Congestive Heart Failure), doesn't seem to want much food and has begun urinating all around the house.

This little guy (pure black, short-haired domestic cat) came into our lives just about 8 years ago. 5 weeks after we got him, I was diagnosed poz and that day as I sat crying about it, he came and curled up on my lap and just looked up at me. He sat there purring and nuzzling my hand for scratches-- he so helped me pull myself together to talk with Sid that day.

He's always been more "dog" than cat. He comes when called (most of the time). Greets us with enthusiastic, and non-stop meows. He rolls around and drools while we pet him. Any night that I am watching TV he is curled up on my lap, sleeping.

Hi appointment is Friday at 5:30 -- I can't tell you how much I am going to miss him -- there is going to be such a large hole in our house. I know I'm doing the right thing for him though -- and I will be with him, petting him and talking to him right up to the end.

I know how hard this will be on you, but I also know you will do what's right for Charlie, he is relying on you to stop his pain and suffering, as animal owners and lovers it's a part of life we dread, but know that one day we will all have to make that same decision.

I am sorry Charlie is in bad health, and you have to make this decision. I always hope I will never have to make this decision. My dog of 16 years luckily went very quickly one night. I always hope they will just get old and die in their sleep.

It is always so hard to do that. You have my deepest condolences. Your cat was well and truly loved, and you are doing the best possible thing by sparing Charlie from pain and suffering. I hope that we each have such an angel, when our times grow short.

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Losing a pet is never ever easy. Ever. and having to put one down is even worse. I feel for you. But you are showing Charlie the greatest love by recognizing his pain and helping him make the transition.

Thank you all. Tonight Charlie slept on my lap for a couple of hours - he really does seem to be "winding down" faster now. He still came and woke me up this morning for breakfast, but didn't eat that much.

I have to go to work tomorrow to lead a half-day session, but I am coming home right after to spend a couple of hours with him -- I'll let him lay on my lap and I'll just pet him and love him a little while longer. It is going to be a tough afternoon!!

I know I'm doing the right thing, but there isn't a fucking thing easy about it.

It's been a very hard day, but he was a brave little guy. They took his paw print in a heart shaped memorial for us -- with CHARLIE spelled across the top. it will take a day to harden, but I don't think I can look at it soon anyway.

It's been a very hard day, but he was a brave little guy. They took his paw print in a heart shaped memorial for us -- with CHARLIE spelled across the top. it will take a day to harden, but I don't think I can look at it soon anyway.

R.I.P. Charles T. Cat, you will be missed.

M

Guys , I wish I was there to give you each a big Hug ... I really do .

My deepest condolences on the loss of Charlie. In his honour, I offer the following:

A Catís Prayer

Although I am too proud to beg, and may appear to be a very independent creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my well-being much more than you may realize. This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you. Nor will I demand more of you than you care to give. I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon; a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears. Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations, I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily. You know dear friend, how I love to go. Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure. If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend me gently, and see that I am treated by loving and competent hands. Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts. In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become too great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing. Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

It's been a very hard day, but he was a brave little guy. They took his paw print in a heart shaped memorial for us -- with CHARLIE spelled across the top. it will take a day to harden, but I don't think I can look at it soon anyway.

So sorry to hear about this, Mike. It's never easy, but the hardest part is over. It just comes back from time to time, but it gets easier. I heard, and sometimes saw out of the corner of my eye, both my cats for a few weeks after they passed.

My dog's name is Joshua and He's a Sheppard & Rottweiler mix and a month ago my building was sold and the new owners gave me an ultimatum which was keep my apartment and get rid of my dog of 6yrs or move. Getting rid of my dog was never an option so I moved into a new building surrounded by pet owners and who would have taught Joshua would have found a girlfriend but he and I had a long talk nose to snout and I told him No puppies he looked at me rolled his eyes and walked away. One of the things I love about my dog is stubbornness and He's sneaky but when having a bad day will lay his head on my lap. As he goes up in age my biggest fear is death because everyone knows pets don't live forever. As a pet owner I've already lost two rabbit's Babb's & bugs and since their passing I refused to adopt another bunny. My friends ask if anything were to happen to Joshua if I could open up my heart to another dog and I can honestly say I doubt it but with millions of dogs living in shelters in search of love I might consider it but in the mean time I will continue to spoil him. I wish I could get him to walk properly on a leash because he is a determined puller. I should also add that I have two sets of gerbils & fishes and I'm planning to adopt 3 guinea pigs and 2 birds and may get Joshua a buddy for Christmas.

What a gorgeous cat. Just reading your posts, Mike, made me tear up. I am so, so sorry about your pain and can definitely tell Charlie was well loved and well cared for. I will definitely give my kitty an extra hug.

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I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow